What Happens to Scheduled Visa Interviews During US Pause?

As of January 15, 2026, the U.S. State Department has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026, due to a reassessment of public charge screening procedures.[5][1][3]

This US immigrant visa suspension affects family-based, employment-based, and other immigrant visas but spares nonimmigrant visas like tourist or student types.[1][5] If you have a scheduled visa interview during this pause, it may proceed, but no visas will be issued, leaving you in limbo.[5] This article guides you on what to do if US immigrant visa suspended, covering eligibility, processes, costs, challenges, and tips as of today.

With nearly 2 million tickets sold for the 2026 World Cup, the policy explicitly exempts short-term travel for such events, signaling targeted enforcement.[1][4] Stay informed to navigate these changes without derailing your American dream.

Introduction to What to Do If US Immigrant Visa Suspended

Imagine arriving at your U.S. embassy for a long-awaited immigrant visa interview, only to learn no decision can be made due to a nationwide pause. This is the reality for thousands from 75 affected countries like Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Russia, Nigeria, Cuba, Iran, and Iraq.[1][4] The pause, announced January 14, 2026, halts immigrant visa issuances to reassess public charge risks—applicants likely to rely on U.S. welfare.[3][5]

You don't need to panic. Official guidance states interviews can still occur, but visas won't issue during the pause.[5] Your approved USCIS petition remains valid; this is a processing delay, not a denial or revocation.[2] Monitor your embassy's website and emails closely, as country-specific instructions may vary.[1] Consulting an immigration attorney early prevents missteps in this fluid situation.

This guide equips you with actionable steps for handling a canceled US visa appointment or delayed processing, drawing from State Department updates and expert analyses.[5][2]

Key Requirements and Eligibility

The pause targets immigrant visa applicants from the 75 listed countries, regardless of where you apply, if you're a national of one.[5] Dual nationals using a non-affected passport qualify for processing.[5] It excludes nonimmigrant visas (B1/B2 tourist, F-1 student, H-1B work) and domestic adjustment of status cases inside the U.S.[1][2]

Public charge exemption options are central: the State Department is reviewing screening to identify those likely to use benefits like Medicaid or SNAP.[3] Strong financial affidavits (Form I-864), sponsor income above 125% of poverty guidelines, or exemptions for certain family members help, though processing halts regardless during reassessment.[3]

• Your underlying petition (I-130 family, I-140 employment) must be approved by USCIS first—no change here.[2]
• Complete DS-260 online application and pay fees before scheduling.[5]
• Prepare documents proving no public charge risk: bank statements, job offers, property deeds.[3]

If you're from an affected country on a full travel ban (e.g., Iran, Somalia), exceptions are rare, amplifying pause impacts.[3] Verify your nationality against the State Department list via travel.state.gov.[5]

Step-by-Step Process for Immigrant Visa Reschedule 2026

Follow this process if your visa interview during pause is affected:

1. Check Status Immediately: Log into CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) for updates. Embassies will notify via email if your appointment proceeds or reschedules.[5][1]
2. Attend if Scheduled: Go to your interview; officers may conduct it but hold your case under INA §221(g) for additional review—no denial yet.[2][5]
3. Monitor Embassy Communications: Watch for cables or announcements lifting the pause. Delays could last months.[1][3]
4. Submit Additional Evidence: Respond promptly to any public charge requests, like updated I-864s.[3]
5. Consider Alternatives: If in the U.S., explore adjustment of status (Form I-485). Outside, weigh humanitarian parole or litigation for unreasonable delays.[2]
6. Reschedule When Possible: Once paused lifts, request new slots via embassy portals—priority for held cases likely.[2]

Example: Maria from Nigeria attends her interview January 25. The officer reviews documents, notes public charge concerns, and administratively processes her case. She waits indefinitely but keeps responding to emails.[2]

What If Your Appointment Was Canceled?

Cancellations trigger automatic rescheduling queues. Contact the embassy via their specific email (e.g., support-nigeria@ustraveldocs.com) with your case number. Document all interactions for potential mandamus lawsuits if delays exceed reasonable times.[2]

Costs and Timeline

Standard immigrant visa fees remain: $325 DS-260, $120 Affidavit of Support review (if applicable), plus $220 immigrant visa fee post-approval.[5] No refunds for paused interviews; fees are non-transferable.[1]

Timeline: Indefinite, potentially months to a year based on past pauses.[1][3] Interviews proceed but issuances halt from January 21.[5] Processing times vary by embassy—e.g., Bogota (Colombia) historically 6-12 months pre-pause; now add suspension delay.[1]

Attorney fees add up but save time; budget $1,000+ for complex cases.[2]

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Emotional toll of indefinite waits. Solution: Join support groups on forums like VisaJourney; track via State Department news.[6]

Challenge 2: Job or family separations. Solution: Explore temporary nonimmigrant visas if eligible; avoid U.S. travel if pending.[1]

Challenge 3: Public charge scrutiny. Solution: Gather robust sponsor evidence—U.S. household income must exceed guidelines (e.g., $32,000 for family of 4 in 2026).[3]

Real scenario: Ahmed from Egypt's interview happens, but his case holds. He submits extra affidavits from his U.S. brother (250% poverty line) and secures parole for urgent medical travel.[2]

Challenge 4: Overlapping travel bans. Solution: Apply exceptions if qualifying (e.g., spouses of citizens).[3]

Expert Tips and Recommendations

As a seasoned travel writer who's guided dozens through visa hurdles, here's advice:

• Document Everything: Screenshot emails, CEAC status—vital for lawsuits.[2]
• Strengthen Public Charge Proof: Use assets, insurance policies; explore public charge exemption options like active-duty military sponsors.[3]
• Attorney Up Early: Specialists in consular processing prevent errors.[2]
• Stay Flexible: Prepare B-2 backups for visits, but declare intent clearly.[1]
• Track Updates: Follow travel.state.gov weekly; join alerts.[5][6]
• Avoid Inaction: Respond to all requests—abandonment kills cases.[2]

For 2026 World Cup fans from affected countries, nonimmigrant exemptions apply.[4]

FAQ: Common Questions on Visa Interview During Pause

1. Will my scheduled immigrant visa interview be canceled?
No, interviews may proceed, but no visas issue during the pause.[5]

2. Can I reschedule my immigrant visa interview now?
Wait for embassy guidance; automatic queues prioritize held cases post-pause.[1][2]

3. Does this pause affect my approved I-130?
No, petitions stay valid; bottleneck is consular issuance.[2]

4. What if I'm a dual national?
Use your non-affected passport to bypass.[5]

5. How do I prove I'm not a public charge?
Submit detailed I-864 with sponsor finances above guidelines.[3]

6. Can I sue for delays?
Yes, mandamus for unreasonable waits after 1-2 years; consult attorneys.[2]

7. Are there waivers for urgent cases?
Limited to humanitarian parole or specific exemptions; apply via USCIS.[1]

Conclusion & Resources

Monitor travel.state.gov for pause updates, consult attorneys, and prepare strong public charge evidence to navigate this US immigrant visa suspension effectively.